Workshop: Sharon Rogers - Experimental Watercolours

29 Sept

Sharon is an excellent teacher. She began by reminding us of the main points of her demo: different ways of using gum arabic, along with various techniques for adding texture to watercolour. We were soon experimenting with mark making, then moved to a larger picture based either on our own references or one of hers.

Draft some pencil lines first.
Using quick strokes, paint gum arabic (diluted with water in a ratio of 2 gum arabic:3 water) in the areas you wish use the properties of the gum arabic (the most useful being the capacity to lift out colour with a brush or blotting with tissue).
Gum arabic can also be added to the paint while working to brighten the colour. (Dip the paintbrush into the gum arabic mixture).
Texture was created using stretched or crumpled cling film, salt and much lifting out and painting over.

Sharon circulated to encourage and support. It was a thoroughly absorbing workshop which inspired lovely work.